Jeb Bush: ‘I have the energy’ to rein in regulation

Jeb Bush outlined a series of proposed changes to federal regulations on Tuesday, arguing that the Obama administration has stifled economic growth and pledging to freeze the publication of new rules until they are approved by an agency head that Mr.MASON CITY, Iowa — Jeb Bush disagreed with Ben Carson Monday over whether a Muslim candidate should be able to become president, saying that a person’s faith shouldn’t matter. Bush will share details Tuesday when he takes his campaign to Gladbrook, Iowa, where he will meet with local farmers and small business owners at John Putney’s Farm.

Carson told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that he would “not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation” because he viewed the values of Islam as incompatible with the Constitution. Bush, who was to discuss the plan during a campaign swing in Iowa, plans to install a “one in, one out” regulatory budget, according to his campaign, requiring officials to offset any regulatory costs they propose. Under his plan, the former Florida governor wants to end the “Washington-knows-best mentality” by “scaling back” existing regulations, making regulators more accountable to the American people and not special interests, and reducing government red tape, according to a policy paper released by the Bush campaign. “Federal regulation is holding America back from its potential,” the policy paper asserts. “America’s regulatory system has failed, and its families, workers, consumers, and small businesses are paying the price: weaker growth, less opportunity, fewer full-time jobs, and lower wages.” Bush’s federal regulatory reform plan is among several policy proposals he has rolled out in recent weeks. When prompted by reporters, Bush went on to explain that he knows many peaceful Muslims living in the United States that are patriotic, some of whom serve in the military. “I just don’t think that we should be breaking ourselves up in our disparate parts. He has detailed plans to overhaul the country’s immigration system and tax code, along with a foreign policy strategy to defeat Islamic State militants.

Bush would also create a commission tasked with identifying laws to be modified or repealed and areas of regulation that Congress should cede to the states. Carson refused to apologize for his statements on Fox News’ “Hannity” Monday evening, stating that he did not want a leader whose faith may interfere with carrying out the duties of the Constitution. And he claimed that the Endangered Species Act has “done little to protect the (northern spotted owl) and much to decimate” the Northwest’s timber industry. If elected, would impose a freeze on regulations, appoint a presidential task force to “drive his regulatory reform agenda” and insist that any costs associated with a new regulation be offset by the elimination of old regulations.